Italy · Piedmont

Elio Grasso

Elio Grasso is a small family estate in Monforte d'Alba, one of Barolo's most respected communes, farming approximately 17 hectares on the steep Gavarini and Ginestra hillsides. Founded by Elio Grasso in the 1970s after he returned to the family property, the estate has become a benchmark for elegant, terroir-expressive Barolo from Monforte — a counterpoint to the richer, more concentrated wines of Serralunga. The three flagship Barolos — Ginestra Casa Maté, Gavarini Chiniera, and the Runcot Riserva — represent distinct aspects of the Monforte terroir: Casa Maté from the Ginestra cru's cool, steep slopes produces wines of delicate aromatics and fine tannins; Chiniera from the adjacent Gavarini parcel delivers more structure; and Runcot, aged in small French oak and released only in strong vintages, shows the deepest concentration and longest aging potential. Parker regularly scores the Riservas at 96–98 points in top vintages — the 1996, 2001, 2004, and 2010 are landmark bottles — with standard Barolos earning 93–95. At auction, 649 lots average $114 per bottle, extremely strong value for wines of this critical standing. The estate also produces Dolcetto d'Alba and Barbera d'Alba under the Vigna Martina and Larigi labels, providing accessible entry points while the Barolo ages.